Preserving Tradition: The Story of a 96-Year-Old Thatched Roof Craftsman

🏚️Honda Sasu has been preserving the ancient craft of thatched roofs in the town of Takamori, Kumamoto prefecture for years.

🌱The craft of making thatched roofs involves drying, cutting, and laying pom-pus grass, which keeps buildings cool in summer and warm in winter.

👴Honda Sasu is passing on his skills to his son and grandson, ensuring that the craft continues to thrive in the future.

🌽The Sasu family also grows Sudu noo, a unique vegetable that is a favorite snack in the region.

🍜The family serves Sudu noo with a sweet miso sauce, creating a local delicacy known as Takamori Daku.

What is the town of Takamori known for?

—Takamori is known for the production of pom-pus grass, which is used in the craft of making thatched roofs.

How long has Honda Sasu been creating thatched roofs?

—Honda Sasu has been creating thatched roofs for many years, preserving the ancient craft in Kumamoto prefecture.

What is Sudu noo?

—Sudu noo is a unique vegetable that grows well in Takamori due to the region's soil. It is a favorite snack of the Sasu family.

What is Takamori Daku?

—Takamori Daku is a local delicacy made from Sudu noo, served with a sweet miso sauce.

Is the craft of making thatched roofs still practiced today?

—Yes, Honda Sasu is passing on his skills to the next generation and working to revive and preserve the tradition of making thatched roofs.

00:17Honda Sasu has dedicated his life to preserving the ancient craft of making thatched roofs.

01:25The town of Takamori is known for the production of pom-pus grass, used in the craft of making thatched roofs.

02:28Honda Sasu is passing on his skills to his son and grandson, ensuring the craft continues for future generations.

04:28The Sasu family also grows Sudu noo, a unique vegetable that is a favorite snack in the region.

06:38The family serves Sudu noo with a sweet miso sauce, creating a local delicacy known as Takamori Daku.